Since we first started talking about Cornhole here at Group Games 101 (see our Cornhole rules guide), the one question we’re frequently asked the most is exactly how far apart should Cornhole boards be?
It’s a fair question.
After all, put your favorite cornhole boards too close together, and the game becomes too easy, so easy in fact that it will suck all the fun out of it.
Position them too far apart, and it has the opposite effect:
It becomes so difficult to score any meaningful points that players quickly get bored and opt for an easier game like bocce ball instead.
So, what’s the perfect distance to position your cornhole boards apart from one another?
That’s the question we’ll answer in the following guide:
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How Far Apart Should Cornhole Boards Be?
If you’re playing competitive cornhole in a league or tournament, then official rules state that your cornhole boards should be 27 feet apart.
This provides enough of a challenge for seasoned players without making it impossible to score.
Still, that’s for those players who are plenty experienced and skilled enough to land impressive throws even at that distance, but what if you’re new to the game, only playing for fun, or even playing with young children?
Cornhole Board Distance for Casual Play
If you’re not playing competitively, then there’s really no need to put your boards so far apart. Again, doing so is only likely to spoil your fun.
Instead, casual players should reduce the distance between the boards by at least 3 feet, putting the boards 24 feet apart.
If that’s still too far apart, reduce them by yet another 3 feet, and keep going until you find a sweet spot that’s neither too easy nor too challenging.
How Far Apart Should Cornhole Boards Be When Playing With Children?
When playing with kids, it’s a good idea to set those boards no more than 15 feet apart.
Of course, just like casual play with adults, there are no hard and fast rules here, and if your young ones are too small to reasonably throw 15 feet, there’s absolutely nothing to stop you from bringing them a little closer.
The opposite is true too. For older kids, it may be that you need to go 18ft or even 21ft, though again, try sticking with 3ft increments to find the best spot.
Cornhole Court Size
The 27ft distance for competitive play isn’t just a number plucked out of thin air. It’s determined by the official size of a tournament regulation cornhole court as set out by the American Cornhole Association (ACA), the sport’s official governing body.
The ACA states that a cornhole court should be 8 feet wide by 45 feet long.
The 45 feet length provides enough space for two regulation-size cornhole boards with the 27 feet gap in between the two measured from the front end of one board to the front end of the other.
The 8 feet width accommodates the regulation width of a tournament-grade board while also providing enough space at either side for the two pitcher boxes where the players stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should mini cornhole boards be?
Ideally, mini cornhole boards should be placed at least 15 feet apart, though if you’re using them with young people, adjust according to their age and ability. If you’re using them for indoor use, then the distance between boards will likely depend on how much space you have.
How much ceiling clearance do you need for cornhole?
ACA rules state that if cornhole is played indoors, then it requires a minimum vertical clearance of 12 feet.
How big are cornhole boards?
Regulation cornhole boards are 47.5”- 48” long (roughly 4ft) by 23.5” – 24” (approx. 2ft), though it is possible to get smaller boards for recreational play.
Cornhole Board Distances: The Final Word
If you’ve read this far, then one thing has likely become clear:
The real answer to the question of how far apart cornhole boards should be is, well, it depends.
If you’re playing in a properly sanctioned league or tournament, then you’ll find that the boards always have to be 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge.
If you’re playing for fun, however, you may prefer to go as far as 24 feet for adults or as close as 15 feet for kids, depending on what helps you and your fellow players enjoy this classic American game the most.
